Is there such a thing as a "larger" slide catch for a 1911?

Jamie Young · October 6, 2002, 05:36 PM

My Colt 1991A1 will not work with anything but Wilsons Combat mags. The problem isn't jamming, it's always the slide closing on an empty chamber.

If I just do a visual inside the gun, I can see that the slide catch doesn't even come in contact with the little metal tab on the mags. I've used quite a few 1911 mags on my gun, and it just does not seem right that it will not catch on anything but Wilsons mags.

Its been like this since I first got the gun. I've used Colt mags, USGI 1911 mags, Pro-mag ect.

garrettwc · October 6, 2002, 05:45 PM

Yes there is. Do a search over on 1911forum.com for more details, but IIRC there are different slide releases depending on what caliber your 1911 is. There are a number of things you can do to make it work properly.

HSMITH · October 6, 2002, 08:07 PM

Virtually every 1911 aftermarket manufacturer makes slidestops.

You can buy one and fit it yourself easily, no need for a gunsmith on this one. I have used and recommend the Ed Brown and Wilson Combat slidestops.

George Stringer · October 7, 2002, 07:43 AM

Have you tried adjusting the tab? Unless you have a plastic follower or one like the mec-gar you should be able to bend the lip upward to make it engage the slide stop. George

Jamie Young · October 7, 2002, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Have you tried adjusting the tab?

Yes!

If I could take a picture of the gun when a mag is inserted, you would notice that I would probable have to bend the tab to the "side" and not "up" for the tab to hit the slide stop. I'm just wondering if I had an "out of spec" slide stop from the beginning. I just hate ordering things in the mail when I'm not 100% its going to work.

James K · October 7, 2002, 11:04 PM

If it fails with all those mags, it is the slide stop, not a magazine problem. There are many after-market slide stops, mostly made to have a larger outside surface. If you don't want one of those, try a new Colt, or (if the gun is new) call Colt and tell them the problem; they might send you a new slide stop freebie. Colt stops run around $20; others go up (and up) from there.

If you can find a good GI one, it will fit, also.

Jim

Jamie Young · October 13, 2002, 07:42 PM

Listen to this.................

I just got back from taking my Colt to a "different" gunsmith and he told me that "WHEN THE RAMP AND THROAT WERE POLISHED SOMEONE MUST HAVE POLISHED THE SLIDE STOP ALSO

I put a new one in and put 75rds threw my 4 USGI mags. THEY ALL WORK NOW!

I guess I know who's putting on my new sights.

October 6, 2002, 05:36 PM	#1
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	Is there such a thing as a "larger" slide catch for a 1911? My Colt 1991A1 will not work with anything but Wilsons Combat mags. The problem isn't jamming, it's always the slide closing on an empty chamber. If I just do a visual inside the gun, I can see that the slide catch doesn't even come in contact with the little metal tab on the mags. I've used quite a few 1911 mags on my gun, and it just does not seem right that it will not catch on anything but Wilsons mags. Its been like this since I first got the gun. I've used Colt mags, USGI 1911 mags, Pro-mag ect. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

October 13, 2002, 07:42 PM	#7
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	Listen to this................. I just got back from taking my Colt to a "different" gunsmith and he told me that "WHEN THE RAMP AND THROAT WERE POLISHED SOMEONE MUST HAVE POLISHED THE SLIDE STOP ALSO I put a new one in and put 75rds threw my 4 USGI mags. THEY ALL WORK NOW! I guess I know who's putting on my new sights. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

October 6, 2002, 05:45 PM	#2
garrettwc Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2001 Posts: 641	Yes there is. Do a search over on 1911forum.com for more details, but IIRC there are different slide releases depending on what caliber your 1911 is. There are a number of things you can do to make it work properly.

October 6, 2002, 08:07 PM	#3
HSMITH Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2002 Posts: 2,019	Virtually every 1911 aftermarket manufacturer makes slidestops. You can buy one and fit it yourself easily, no need for a gunsmith on this one. I have used and recommend the Ed Brown and Wilson Combat slidestops.

October 7, 2002, 07:43 AM	#4
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Have you tried adjusting the tab? Unless you have a plastic follower or one like the mec-gar you should be able to bend the lip upward to make it engage the slide stop. George

October 7, 2002, 11:04 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	If it fails with all those mags, it is the slide stop, not a magazine problem. There are many after-market slide stops, mostly made to have a larger outside surface. If you don't want one of those, try a new Colt, or (if the gun is new) call Colt and tell them the problem; they might send you a new slide stop freebie. Colt stops run around $20; others go up (and up) from there. If you can find a good GI one, it will fit, also. Jim